Telephone.



J. W. ATLEE.

TELEPHONE. 7

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4, 1908.

Patented 861112.27, 1910.

4 BHEETB-SHBBT 1.

1m Q IHIIIIL -mmumlu,Mu

1 a? Will.

INVENTOR WITNESSES ATTORNEY J. W. ATLEE.

TELEPHONE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4, 1909.

4 BHEETSSHEET 2.

Patented Sept.27, 1910.

WITNESSES ATTORNEY J. W. ATLEE.

TELEPHONE.

APPLICATION FILED 11mm, 1908.

1 wmm I Patented Sept. 27, 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

INVENTOR WITNESSES (,6. BY M ATTORNEY J. W. A'I'LEE.

TELEPHONE.

APPLIOATION FILED mum, 190a.

ag'n g Patented Sept. 27, 1910.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

INVENTOR WITNESSES ATTORNEY FTQ.

JOSHUA W. ATLEE, F RIVER/TON, NEW J ERSEY.

TELEPHONE.

earner.

Specification of ltetters Patent. Patented Sept. 2?, 19M). Application filed June 4, 1908.

Serial No. 436,557.

' To all whom it may concern:

-other improvements whic Be it known that I, JOSHUA .W. Anne, of Riverton, New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Telephones of which the following-is a full, clear, an

complete disclosure. I

The objects of my invention are, to. provide improved means for holding a telephone receiver when-it is desired to hold it' away from the usual switch hook, which may be mounted upon a stand.v in combination v with the operative parts usually carried by a telephone-stand, or which may be mounted upon a stand separate from the stand carrying such partsto enable one who has called up a party and is waiting for an answer, or for the person called, to look up any matter which may have been called for, to leave the instrument and attend to any other matters vuntil the person called by him is ready to converse; to enable a party using the telephone to have both hands free for taking notes or for any other purpose; to provide means. for amplifying the accoustic efl'ects of the receiver; to provide means for insuring an accoustic sea the end ofv my amplifier" and to provide will appear in the specification and claims below.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a stand equipped with my improved holder and carrying the usual operative parts of a telephone; Fig. 2 a top plan view of the said holder; Fig. 3a side elevation of the holder partly in section showing the receiver in position thereon; Fig; 4 a vertical section of a detail of the holder; Fig. 5 a front elevation of 'a modified form of this invention; and Figs. .6 and 7 are a tion of this invention.

Figs. 1 to '4 of the drawings show one form of my invention, comprising a stand 1, carrying the usual telephone transmitter 2, receiver 3, and hanger or switch hook 4'. A bracket 5' consisting of a flat strip of metal folded upon itself forming a substantially circular loop 6 at its fold, and having inner ends 7 curved outwardly and terminating in flanges 8 forms, in connection with the curved plate 9 having'corresponding flanges "10, a divided clamp, embracing the stand 1,

and held rigidly in position by means of the between the receiver and.

screws 11.' The bracket 5is secured to the stand just above the usual supporting ring 12 of the receiver hook 4, the bracket extending radially fromthe stand and in a direction opposite to that of the switch hook 4. The clamp member is recessed as at 13 to avoid interference with the switch hook 4, and to permit the switchv hook to be seated in its usual position against the stand when the receiver is removed from the hook.

A curved amplifier 14 is secured adjacent its smaller inner end 15 in theloop 6 at the outer end of the bracket 5, and extends downwardly and then rearw'ardly from the loop, tlien curves upwardly, and-then forwardly and upwardly, and opens towardthe usual position of the operator. The walls of the amplifier diverge gradually from the inner end to the outer end thereof. The upper end 15 of the amplifier is provided with an upward vertical extension 16, over which is seated a tubular sleeve 17 preferably of soft.

rubber or other yielding material, which projects beyond theupper end of the amplifier and flares outwardly forming preferably a'rounded substantially annular soft cushion 18 adapted to yield and fit against the flaring side 19 of the opening into the receiver 3, and to form a seal to prevent the escapeof sound waves laterally between the receiver and the amplifier. v The yielding nature of the sleeve 17 also obviates the necessity of brin ing the receiver into perfect alinement with the amplifier in order to make a good connection as the sleeve will yield sufiiciently to compensate for any.

slight difference in alinemont. Fig. 4 of the drawings shows the normal shape of the tubular seat. v

Secured rigidly between the folds of the bracket 5 by means of rivets 20 or in any other suitable manner, is .a vertical arm 21, the upper end of which is curved outwardly and terminates in a bifurcated hook comprising arms 23 having upwardly extending ends adapted toengage against the side of the upper end of the receiver when the receiver is in position in the hook, to hold the receiver in place. The inner edge of the lower end of the-arm 21 contacts against the surface of thestand 1, and conforms to the shape ofa shoulderof the stand, forming a projectlon 24 on the arm to prevent a downward movement of the arm. The lower end of the arm 21 also projects beyond the lower surface of yielding annular seat 18 of the ampllfier, the

sides of the annular band or guide being spaced from the sides of the receiver when the receiver is 1n position upon its seat.

With this construction in mind, it is ap parent that this improved holder may be quickly and easily secured to any telephone stand by means of thumb screws and that when in position the attachment offers a very convenient means for supporting the telephone receiver when the receiver is off of the usual switch hook, and when the operator is ready and waiting for a call, or while the telephone is being, used, thus relieving the operator of any necessity of giving manual attention to the telephone during such periods. It is also apparent that the device is extremely simple and easy to operate.

\Vhen using the attachment, the receiver is placed in the hook 23 of the attachment in the same manner that it is placed in the usual switch hook of the telephone, except that the weight of the receiver in the former case is not supported by the hook, but, the hook simply serves to keep the receiver in alinement over the yielding seat 18 of the amplifier through which the receiver communicates with the amplifier, the lower end of the receiver being guided into position upon the seat by the guide 26, as heretofore stated. In this form of my device, it is further to be observed that the amplifier 14 is mounted upon the su port or bracket 5, and that the receiver is eld in communication with the amplifier by its erigagementwith the elastic seat 18 at the end of the amplifier,

and that the conical ring 26 guides the receiver into proper position on the said seat. In Fig. 5 of the drawings, I have shown a modification of this invention, in which the amplifier 27 is su ported upon a bracket 28 which is supporte upon an independent base 29, the upper end .30 of the'amplifier being rigldly held in an arm 31 of the bracket. The upper end of the amplifier and the guide 32,and the upper bifurcated arm 33 of the bracket are simllar in construction and function with the correspondin parts already described. This form of. t e invention is obviously adapted'to stand upon a tableor other support which carries the usual tele'-- phone stand, or may be placed upon a separate support more remote from the telephone stand, according to the convenience of the user, the distance being limited only by the length of the cable carried by the telephone receiver, otherwise the function and use of this modified form is identical with that already described. As in the modification illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 in this form of my invention, the amplifier is mounted upon a support or bracket 31, 28 and 29, and the receiver is held in communication with the smaller end of said amplifier by reason of the engagement of the receiver with the elastic cushion on the smaller end of the amplifier, and the ring 32 serves to guide the receiver toward the amplifier and into position with respect thereto.

In the further modification of this invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the amplifier 35 is supported in a substantially rectangular block or stand 36 of wood or other material, but preferably made of hard rubber, and which is provided with a curved aperture 37, in which the receiving end of the amplifier is incased. The block or support 36 is provided upon its upper side with an opening 38 communicating with the receiving end of the amplifier, and with an annular recess 39 concentric with this opening. The opening 38 is provided with a bushing 40 of soft rubber or other suitable material to form a yielding seat for the receiver 4:1. When the receiver is placed upon the seat 40, it is held out of contact with any part of the supporting block 36; and the seat 40 by virtue of its yielding quality prevents the escape of sound between the receiver and the amplifier. In this form of my invention, the amplifier 35 is mounted upon the block or support 36, the receiver is-supported on said block by reason of its engagement with the rubber bushing 40, and the receiver is guided into position with respect to the amplifier'by the tapering or conical walls of the projection surrounding the opening 38. It is also to be noted that the exterior wall of the recess 39, by its contact with thetapering end of the receiver, also assists in guiding the receiver into position upon the seat etO.- The use of this latter form of my lnvention is obvious from the above description. 7

The function of the amplifier is to accentuate the accoustic effects of the receiver, so that the sounds produced thereby may be heard at some distance from the telephone,

thereby relieving the operator of the necessity of remaining constantly within a short distance of the telephone, in order to know when the party called is ready to converse.

It is well known that when one calls up a party by telephone, he often has to waste a mation or data called for. During this time 5 has to leave'the wire while he looks up inforthe party calling has to cease doing anything but holding the receiver to his car. My invention contemplates the avoiding of this difficulty. As soon as a party hascalled up or as soon as the number is given to the operator, the telephone receiver is placed upon my device, in commimication as above described with my improved sound amplifier. The party calling may then busy himseli about anything else that he may desire until he hears the word hello as spoken by the party called. He may then lift the receiver from my device and converse in the ordinary manner. lithe person called has to leave the instrument for any purpose, as for instance to look up matter relating to the conversation, the receiver may be again placed on my device and no further attention paid to the telephoneuntil the party at the other end of the wire returnsand begins conversation.

While I have described my invention as be.- ing capable ofibeing' used to carry on the conversation with the receiver in position on my device,l regg-rd as theprimary object of my invention the use of my device as merely temporary and for occasions like those which I have just above pointed out.

Although I have described only three forms in which this invention may be embodied, it is obvious that ;many changes might beemade in the constructions herein ried by said bracket to hold a telephone retill ceiverin position to communicate with said 2. A holder for a telephone receiver comprising-a stand, a bracket rigidly secured thereto, an amplifier su ported by said bracket, and means carrie by said bracket to removably hold areceiver position to communicate with said amplifier.

A holder-for a telephone receiver comprising a fired bracket, anamplifier carried thereby, means nponsaid amplifier forming a yielding seat,-and means carried by said bracket to hold a receiver upon said seat to communicate with said amplifier.

I 4-. Aholder for a telephone receiver comprising an amplifier, a support for said amplifier, means to hold a receiver in communication withsaid amplifier, and means to guide said receiver toward said amplifier and into said position.

5. A holder for a telephone receiver comprising an amplifien a su port for said am plifier, means to hold 'sai ,r'eceiver in com- IIlllIllCithlOH-Wltll said ampl fier, and substantially conical means for guiding said receiver toward said amplifier and into communication with said amplifier.

6. A holder for atele'phone receiver comprising an amplifier, a yielding seat communicating with said amplifier, and means rigid with said amplifier to guide a receiver toward said amplifier and into position upon said seat. I

7 A holder for a telephone receiver comprising an amplifier, a seat communicating with said amplifier, and flaring means rigid with said amplifier to uide areceiver toward said amplifier an into position upon said seat.

8. A holderfor a telephone receiver comprising an amplifier, a yielding seat communicating with said amplifier, and flaring means to guide a receiver toward said amplifier and into position upon said seat.

9. A holder for. a telephone receiver com prising an amplifier, a seat communicating with said amplifier, and substantially annular means distinct from the amplifier arranged to guide the receiver toward said amplifier and into position upon said seat.

10. In a holder for telephone receivers,

the combination with a stationary mega phone, of a. soft elastic cushion mounted on the smaller end of said megaphone, a tele- ;phone receiver resting and entirely supported upon saidcushion and means to guide said receiver into substant al ahnement with the smaller end of sand megaphone.

11-. The combination with a telephone receiver having an opening adjacent the diaphragm, of a, sound amplifier, means for detachably holding said receiver in communication with said amplifier, and means distinct from the amplifier arranged to guide said receiver toward sa1d amplifier lnto a position with said opening substantially in alinement with the smaller end of said amplifier.

12. The combination with a telephone receiver provided with an opening adlacent the diaphragm, of a megaphone tLClJitCGIlt said diaphragm, thesmaller end of which is provided with asoft yielding cushion,

means to guide said receiver. toward said megaphonev into a position in which the openmg in said receiver registers with the- )ening in the smaller end of said mega- O p one with the receiver resting upon said cushion.

13. A holder for a telephone receiver comprising a bracket, an amplifier secured to said bracket, an arm rigid with said bracket and terminating in a bifurcated fork to hold a receiver in communication with said amplifier. 14. A holder fora telephone receiver comprising a flat strip folded centrally upon itself forming a. substantially circular loop at its fold, and having its ends curved outwardly to embrace a support, an amplifier secured in said loop, and means carried by said support to removably hold a receiver in communication with said amplifier.

15. A holder for a telephone receiver comprising a bracket consisting of a fiat strip folded centrally upon itself, forming a substantially circular loop at its fold, and having its ends curved outwardly to form part of a clamp to embrace a support, an amplifier secured to said loop, and an arm rigid with said bracket and terminating in a bifurcated fork for holding a receiver in communication with said amplifier.

16. A holder for a telephone receiver comprising an amplifier, means for supporting said amplifier, and means for guiding a receiver into engagement with said amplifier to communicate therewith, said guiding means being outof contact with said receiver when said receiver is in position to communicate with said amplifier.

17. A holder for a telephone receiver comprising an amplifier, means distinct from the amplifier arranged to guide a receiver toward said amplifier into position, and means to hold the receiver in said position to communicate with said amplifier, the entire weight of said receiver being supported by sald amplifier when sald recelver 1s.1n

. position to communicate, therewith.

18. A holder for a telephone receiver comprising a bracket, an amplifier secured to said bracket, an arm rigid with said bracket, and means carried by said arm to guide a receiver toward said'amplifier and into communication therewith.

19. The combination with a stand, of a bracket rigidly secured thereto, an amplifier supported by said bracket, a yielding seat upon the small end of said amplifier, and means carried by said bracket to guide a telephone receiver toward said amplifier and into position upon said seat to communicate with said amplifier.

20. The combination with a sound amplifier, of means. distinct therefrom and sur rounding the smaller end of said amplifier for guiding a receiver into alinement with the'said smaller end of said amplifier.

21. A holder for atelephone receiver, comprising a support, a sound amplifying means rigidly mounted on said support, means rigid with said support for guiding said receiver into communication with said amplifier and means for removably supporting said receiver in such position.

in witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand this 9th day of May, 1908.

JOSHUA W. ATLEE.

\Vitnesses:

ALsToN B. MOULTON, ALEXANDER PARK. 

